Collision responsive switch

ABSTRACT

A safety switch for use in a motor vehicle to control the vehicle electrical system. In the event of collision, the vehicle battery will be automatically disconnected from the vehicle electrical system. A trigger mechanism includes a pivotable weight which will move due to the forces of inertia to cause release of a trigger from a plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism is spring biased to cause disengagement of the vehicle battery with the vehicle electrical system. Upon release of the trigger, the plunger will cause the vehicle electrical system to become inoperative.

United States Patent Inventor Russell L. Esinger Phlladelphia, Pa.

Appl. No. 27,280

Filed Apr. 10, 1970 Patented Aug. 31, i971 Assignee Trlwees Products,Inc.

Philadelphia, Pa.

COLLISION RESPONSIVE SWITCH [56] Relerences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS3,518,385 6/1970 Boudes et al. ZOO/6|.45

Primary Examiner Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-Mv GinsburgAttorney-Seidel, Gonda and Goldhammer ABSTRACT: A safety switch for usein a motor vehicle to control the vehicle electrical system. In theevent of collision, the vehicle battery will be automaticallydisconnected from the vehicle electrical system. A trigger mechanismincludes a pivotable weight which will move due to the forces of inertiaa Drawmngs to cause release of a trigger from a plunger mechanism. TheUS. Cl 200/615 plunger mechanism is spring biased to cause disengagementof Int. Cl "01h 35/14 the vehicle battery with the vehicle electricalsystem. Upon Field of Search 200/6l.4$-6l.53; release of the trigger,the plunger will cause the vehicle elec- 340/262 trical system to becomeinoperative.

mm I 20 I 78 H I I g 50 I I II I w I 74 i 75 a I a i 4 2 Z 768 I0 73 176 3? 35 p i i 60 2% r E /3 50 i 4/4 I 5 59 36' 34 46 V I2 COLLISIONRESPONSIVE SWITCH The present invention is directed to a safety switchand more particularly to a safety switch for use on automotive vehiclesor other battery operated vehicles such as boats or the like which willrender the vehicle electrical system inoperative should the vehiclebecome involved in a collision.

lt is well known that the vehicles involved in collisions are subject todestruction due to fires resulting from ignition of spilled fuel. Theresulting fire not only causes substantial property damage but may alsoresult in severe injury or death to individuals involved in suchcollisions. it has been recognized that vehicle electrical systemsshould be rendered inoperative in order to minimize the possibility oftire immediately after a collision.

Safety switches which operate on a principle of inertia have beensuggested to render the electrical systems of vehicles inoperative uponcollision. However, generally such safety switches have been complex andcostly and have therefore not met with general acceptance in the marketplace.

lt is an object of the present invention to provide a safety switchwhich overcomes the deficiencies of prior art safety switches and willoperate reliably and effectively to render the electrical system of avehicle inoperative immediately after the vehicle has been involved in acollision.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety switchwhich is inexpensive, reliable, and may be mounted on existing vehicles.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safetyswitch which may be easily manually resettable after the switch has beenoperated to render the electrical system of a vehicle inoperative.

Other objects will appear hereafter.

The above and other objects are accomplished by providing the safetyswitch of the instant invention. The switch includes a housing and aplunger mechanism mounted in the housing. The switch is directlyconnected to the battery of the vehicle. The plunger mechanism will bemaintained in a normally circuit-closed position to permit operation ofthe electrical system of the vehicle. A trigger mechanism is mounted inthe switch housing. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger which isbiased into engagement with the plunger to maintain the plunger in thecircuit-closed position. A trigger mechanism includes a trigger which isnormally biased into engagement with the plunger mechanism. The triggerhas an enlarged head at one end thereof. The enlarged head has threeclevises integral therewith. Three hooks have one end thereof receivedin the clevises.

The trigger mechanism also includes a pivotable weighted member which ismounted on a stem. The pivotable weighted member has acircular flangemeans associated therewith. The hooks are adapted to engage the circularflange on the pivotable weighted member. A weighted mass is connected tothe other end of the stem. The exact position of the weighted mass maybe varied in order to vary the impact force necessary to operate theswitch.

The trigger is normally spring biased into connection with the plungermechanism. Should the vehicle be involved in a collision, the weight onthe stem will cause pivoting of the pivotable weighted member and willcause one of the hooks to move upwardly through a predetermineddistance. The hook will cause the trigger to move upwardly apredetermined distance against the spring bias urging the trigger intoengagement with the plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism will bereleased. The plunger mechanism is spring biased into a circuit-openingposition whereby the electrical system of the vehicle will be renderedinoperative. Upon disengagement of the trigger with the plungermechanism, the plunger mechanism will be moved to render the electricalsystem of the vehicle inoperative.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in thedrawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view, partially in section, of the safetyswitch of the present invention;

HO. 2 is a section view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the safety switch immediatelyafier a collision has occurred.

Referring now the the drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicatelike elements throughout the several views there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 asafety switch generally indicated by the reference numeral 10.

The safety switch 10 is connected in series to a battery 12 whichprovides the source of energy for operation of the electrical system ofthe vehicle. One cable 13 of the battery 12 is connected to the vehicleelectrical system. The other cable 15 of the battery 12 is connected tothe safety switch 10.

The safety switch 10 includes a plunger mechanism 14 and a triggermechanism 16. The plunger mechanism 14 is contained within a housing I8.The housing 18 is preferably secured to a bracket 19. The bracket 19 maybe welded to or otherwise secured to the housing 18. Housing 18 includesa housing section 11. The housing section 11 may be either welded orremovably secured to the housing 18. Housing 18 includes cap 20 whichtelescopes over housing section I l. The telescoping cap 20 ismaintained in position due to a frictional fit over section 11. Thetelescoping cap 20 is easily removable from the housing section 11. Thebracket 19 may be secured to any fixed surface 21. The fixed surface 21may be located immediately adjacent the battery 12.

A lead 22 is secured to the battery cable 15. Lead 22 is connected to anelectrically conducting stem 23 and is retained in position by a nut orother similar means 25. The lead 22 and stem 23 are electricallyisolated from the housing 18 by insulation 24. The stem 23 is connectedto or integral with a conducting member 26. The conducting member 26 isadapted to be in electrical contact with a conducting plate 28. An airspace 27 is provided for electrically isolating the plate 28 from thehousing 18.

The conducting plate 28 is in electrical communication with theconductor member 30. Conductor member 30 may be integral with a stem 31to which a lead 32 is connected by means of a nut 33 or other securingmeans. Lead 32 is connected to a cable 35 which communicates with theelectrical system of the vehicle. Suitable insulation 34 is provided toprevent electrical connection to the housing 18. It is deemed readilyapparent that the electrical systems of the vehicle will be operative solong as the plate 28 remains in electrical communication with theconducting members 26 and 30. Flow of electricity will occur in thedirection of the arrows in FIG. I.

The plunger mechanism 14 includes a plunger 36 which may be made ofnonconductive material. The plunger 36 ineludes an enlarged circularhead 38 at one end thereof. A flange 40 may be connected to or formedintegrally with the plunger 36. The flange 40 provides a surface 41whichis adapted to be engaged by a compression spring 42. Compressionspring 42 is also adapted to bear against conducting plate 28 Thehousing 18 has a sleeve 44 formed therewith. The plunger 36 extendsthrough sleeve 44 and has a threaded end 46 thereon. The threaded end 46is adapted to receive a nut 48. The housing 18 also includes a reactionsurface 50 thereon. A compression spring 52 is adapted to act againstthereaction surface 50 and the nut 48 and urge the plunger '36 towards theleft as viewed in H68. 1 and 4. Compression spring 42 also urges plunger36 towards the left as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4. Plunger 36 is providedwith a notch 54 therein for receiving the trigger S8 of the triggermechanism 16.

The housing 18 includes a sleeve 56 for guiding the trigger 58. Thetrigger 58 is provided with an enlarged circular fla-t head 60. The head60 includes a plurality of clevises 62 formed integrally therewith. in apreferred form of the lnvenr tion, three such clevises are provided. Theclevises are equidistantly spaced about the head 60. Each clevis 62 isadapted to receive one end of a hook 64. The hooks 64 may be connectedto the clevises 62 by means of pins so that tlie hooks 64 are permittedto rotate with respect to the clevises 62. Any other suitable securingmeans may be utilized for securing the books 64 to the head 60.

The hooks 64 extend upwardly through openings 68 in the housing section1 l. The housing section 11 is provided with a seat 70. The seat 70 isadapted to receive a semielliptical weighted member 72. The member 72has a circular flange 74 on the uppermost end thereof. The uppermostends of hooks 64 are adapted to engage the flange 74 on the member 72 asshown in FlG. 2. A compression spring 73 is seated between the head 60and the housing section 11. The spring engages the underside of the seat70.

The member 72 is mounted on a stem 76. The member 72 may be formedintegrally with the stem 76. The uppermost end of the stem 76 isprovided with a weighted mass 78. The exact location of the weightedmass 78 may be varied as desired. To this end, a set screw 80 isprovided for permitting movement of the mass 78 to a desired position.Varying the exact location of the mass 78 will permit varying the amountof impact required to actuate the safety switch 10.

The compression spring 73 urges the trigger 58 into engagement with thebore 54 of the plunger 36. The compression springs 42 and 52 urge theplunger to the left as viewed in FIGS. l and 4v Should the vehicle inwhich the safety switch is mounted be involved in a collision. the forceof inertia would cause the mass 78, member 72 and structure associatedtherewith to pivot about the axis of the trigger 58. Arrow 82 in FIG. 4is exemplary of the pivoting motion which may occur. The pivotingmovement will cause at least one portion of the flange 74 to moveupwardly thus drawing the hook 64 associated therewith upwardly asexemplified by arrow 84 in FIG. 4. Movement of the hook 64 upwardly willcause compression of spring 73 and upward movement of trigger 58.Trigger 58 will be withdrawn from the bore 54 of plunger 36 to therebypermit the springs 42 and 52 to move the plunger 36 to the left into theposition shown in FIG. 4.

A collision will operate the safety switch 10 without regard to thedirection of the impact. The hooks 64 are spaced 120 arcuate degreesapart around head 60. Hence, the switch 10 will be operative when themass 78 and its associated structure moves any direction.

Movement of the plunger 36 will cause the head 38 to engage the plate 28and move the same to the left with the plunger 36. Movement of the plate28 will cause a break in the electrical system of the vehicle becauselead 32 will be electrically isolated from lead 22. Hence, allelectrical systems in the vehicle will be rendered inoperative thusminimizing the possibility of a spark which could cause ignition ofspilled fuel.

The switch 10 may be readily manually reset by removing the telescopingcap 20, placing the mass 78 and structure associated therewith in asubstantially vertical position and pushing the plunger against theaction of springs 42 and 52 until the trigger 58 seats within the bore54. It is also possible to provide automatic means operable within thevehicle for resetting the safety switch after the same has beenoperated. However, no such automatic means has been shown in the instantapplication.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, ratherthan to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of theinvention.

I claim:

1. A safety switch for use in a motor vehicle wherein the switch isadapted to render the vehicle electrical system inoperative should thevehicle become involved in a collision comprising a housing, a plungermechanism mounted in said housing. a trigger mechanism mounted in saidhousing, said trigger mechanism including a trigger biased intoengagement with said plunger mechanism to maintain said plungermechanism against movement, said trigger having an enlarged head at oneend thereof, hook means connected to said enlarged head, said triggermechanism includin a pivotable weighted member and a stem, said pivotale weighted member being mounted on one end of said stem, said pivotableweighted member having a flange means, a weighted mass being mounted onsaid stem adjacent the other end thereof for pivotal movement by reasonof its inertia during collision, said hook means cooperating with saidflange means to move said trigger against its bias and out of engagementwith said plunger mechanism upon pivoting of said weighted mass and saidpivotable weighted member through a predetermined arc during collisionthereby releasing said plunger mechanism for movement and rendering theelectrical system of the vehicle inoperative.

2. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hook meansincludes three hooks equally spaced about said enlarged head, each ofsaid hooks engaging the flange means associated with the pivotableweighted member, said flange means being a circular plate integral withsaid pivotable weighted member.

3. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hook means issupported by clevises formed integrally with said enlarged head, saidhousing including a seat for said pivotable weighted member, a springlocated between said seat and said enlarged head to urge said triggerinto engagement with said plunger mechanism, whereby movement of saidpivotable weighted member will cause said enlarged head on said triggerto compress said spring to thereby move said trigger out of engagementwith said plunger mechanism.

4. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plungermechanism includes a plunger spring urged into a position wherein saidelectrical system of the vehicle will be rendered inoperative, saidplunger having a bore therein, said trigger being received in the boreof said plunger.

5. A safety switch as set forth in claim 4 wherein two compressionsprings are utilized to urge said plunger into a position rendering theelectrical system of the vehicle inoperative, and the position of saidweighted mass being adjustable on said stem.

6. A safety switch as set forth in claim l wherein said housing includesa housing section and a telescoping cap portion frictionally engagingsaid housing section, said telescoping cap portion being removable topermit access to said pivotable weighted member, said stem and saidweighted mass.

7v A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical systemincludes a battery, one cable of the battery being adapted to beconnected to the safety switch, said cable being electrically insulatedfrom the housing, and said pivotable weighted member being semielipticalin shape and being seated in a seat provided in said housing.

8. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plungermechanism has an enlarged end thereon, means whereby said enlarged endcauses movement of a conducting member to break a circuit when saidtrigger releases said plunger mechanism to render the electrical systemof the vehicle inoperative.

1. A safety switch for use in a motor vehicle wherein the switch is adapted to render the vehicle electrical system inoperative should the vehicle become involved in a collision comprising a housing, a plunger mechanism mounted in said housing, a trigger mechanism mounted in said housing, said trigger mechanism including a trigger biased into engagement with said plunger mechanism to maintain said plunger mechanism against movement, said trigger having an enlarged head at one end thereof, hook means connected to said enlarged head, said trigger mechanism including a pivotable weighted member and a stem, said pivotable weighted member being mounted on one end of said stem, said pivotable weighted member having a flange means, a weighted mass being mounted on said stem adjacent the other end thereof for pivotal movement by reason of its inertia during collision, said hook means cooperating with said flange means to move said trigger against its bias and out of engagement with said plunger mechanism upon pivoting of said weighted mass and said pivotable weighted member through a predetermined arc during collision thereby releasing said plunger mechanism for movement and rendering the electrical system of the vehicle inoperative.
 2. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hook means includes three hooks equally spaced about said enlarged head, each of said hooks engaging the flange means associated with the pivotable weighted member, said flange means being a circular plate integral with said pivotable weighted member.
 3. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hook means is supported by clevises formed integrally with said enlarged head, said housing including a seat for said pivotable weighted member, a spring located between said seat and said enlarged head to urge said trigger into engagement with said plunger mechanism, whereby movement of said pivotable weighted member will cause said enlarged head on said trigger to compress said spring to thereby move said trigger out of engagement with said plunger mechanism.
 4. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plunger mechanism includes a plunger spring urged into a position wherein said electrical system of the vehicle will be rendered inoperative, said plunger having a bore therein, said trigger being received in the bore of said plunger.
 5. A safety switch as set forth in claim 4 wherein two compression springs are utilized to urge said plunger into a position rendering the electrical system of the vehicle inoperative, and the position of said weighted mass being adjustable on said stem.
 6. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a housing section and a telescoping cap portion frictionally engaging said housing section, said telescoping cap portion being removable to permit access to said pivotable weighted member, said stem and said weighted mass.
 7. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein the elecTrical system includes a battery, one cable of the battery being adapted to be connected to the safety switch, said cable being electrically insulated from the housing, and said pivotable weighted member being semieliptical in shape and being seated in a seat provided in said housing.
 8. A safety switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plunger mechanism has an enlarged end thereon, means whereby said enlarged end causes movement of a conducting member to break a circuit when said trigger releases said plunger mechanism to render the electrical system of the vehicle inoperative. 